Engineering and technical support for AN/APG-65 and AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE NAVY.NAVAIR.NAVAIR HQS.NAVAL AIR SYSTEMS COMMAND · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is seeking engineering and technical support for two specific Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar systems: the AN/APG-65 and the AN/APG-79. These are advanced fighter aircraft radar systems used in naval aviation operations.
The AN/APG-65 is a legacy radar system originally developed for the F/A-18 Hornet, while the AN/APG-79 is its modern AESA successor found on newer Super Hornet variants. AESA radars represent a significant technological leap from traditional mechanically scanned arrays, using thousands of small transmit/receive modules to steer radar beams electronically rather than physically moving an antenna. This enables faster scanning, improved reliability, simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, and reduced detectability.
The scope of work likely encompasses lifecycle sustainment activities typical for military avionics systems—potentially including system engineering, software maintenance, hardware repair, test and evaluation support, technical data management, and field engineering assistance. Given the radar systems' critical role in fleet readiness, this contract would support near-continuous operational availability requirements. See the solicitation for specific task areas, deliverables, and performance metrics.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | N00019-26-RFPREQ-TPM265-0174 |
| NAICS | 336413 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 4, 2026, 3:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Saint Louis, MO |
NAICS 336413 designates "Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing," which covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing aircraft parts (excluding engines and propulsion units) and auxiliary equipment. This classification encompasses radar and electronic equipment manufacturing for aircraft applications.
Who can bid
This procurement is full and open competition with no small-business set-aside. Any qualified contractor—large or small, veteran-owned, woman-owned, or otherwise—may submit a proposal. The government will evaluate all responsible sources capable of performing the required engineering and technical support.
Small businesses should carefully assess competitive positioning against likely large prime contractors. NAVAIR radar sustainment contracts typically require specialized expertise in radar engineering, military-specific quality systems (AS9100 or equivalent), security clearances, and demonstrated experience with Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) or similar frameworks. The Saint Louis, MO performance location suggests proximity to NAVAIR's Midwest operations, potentially favoring bidders with established presence or ability to staff locally.
How to put together a competitive bid
Demonstrate radar-specific depth: AESA technology expertise is niche. Highlight personnel with direct AN/APG-65 or AN/APG-79 experience, or transferable AESA radar backgrounds (e.g., AN/APG-81, AN/APG-77). If lacking direct experience, emphasize related phased-array or military radar engineering and partner strategically.
Address security readiness: Expect Personnel Security Investigation (PSI) and facility clearance requirements. State your current clearance status or realistic timeline to obtain Secret or higher clearances. Unfavorable security postures eliminate otherwise technically acceptable proposals.
Prove manufacturing/quality credentials: NAICS 336413 implies hardware involvement. Document AS9100 certification, ISO 9001, or NAVAIR-approved equivalent. Detail metrology, calibration, and configuration management capabilities specific to military avionics.
Present staffing and logistics: Saint Louis-based technical talent or committed relocation plan strengthens credibility. Address surge capacity for fleet modernization cycles or deployment support. Subcontracting plans should show meaningful small-business participation if you're a large prime, or substantive technical contributions if you're a small-business partner.
Cost realism matters: Full and open competition typically means best-value tradeoff evaluations. Develop government-cost-estimate-informed pricing with clear basis of estimates. Explain any cost efficiencies from process automation, digital thread implementation, or predictive maintenance approaches.
Next steps
Review the complete solicitation package on SAM.gov using solicitation number N00019-26-RFPREQ-TPM265-0174. The full documentation will contain statement of work specifics, evaluation criteria, mandatory qualification requirements, and proposal submission instructions.
Critical deadline: Proposals are due November 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Given the technical complexity and likely security clearance prerequisites, immediate action is advisable to assess teaming needs, initiate clearance processes if necessary, and develop compliant proposal volumes.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →